A couple of years ago, I got a Savage Model 25 in 22 Hornet. I have had it to the range and enjoy it.
I started collecting new factory brass, dies, bullets, powder, a NOE 225107 37gr FN GC etc. for reloading.
I decapped the brass from factory loads I shot with my Lee Universal decapping die. I ran into a problem with small flash holes in the of the brass to the extent that it pulled the decapping pin out of the rod. After several occurences of this, I chucked the rod/pin in my electric drill and turned the pin down, although I still got a “sticker” or two once in a while.
I searched and found that SAAMI diameter for small rifle/pistol flash holes is allegedly 0.074” to 0.078". I say allegedly because I have not been able to find this information on the SAAMI website.
So, I went out and bought a #48 drill (0.076"), a 5/64” drill (0.078"), and a little t-handle tap wrench to drill the flash holes. I have not drilled the flash holes yet. Question #1: Is there any reason that I would NOT want to drill the flash holes?
I bought several different kinds of dies including standard Lee dies, Lee collet die, Lyman M-die for the Hornet. I have been loading straight-wall rounds (380ACP, 9mm, 38/357, 44 Magnum, and 45ACP) with cast and jacketed bullets for a number of years, but I have never loaded a bottle-neck case before and certainly none as thin as the Hornet is reputed to be. I'm guessing that I should full-length size new, factory brass before I proceed with hand loading. Question #2: Should I full-length resize new unfired brass?
Since I have only one chamber in the Hornet, I plan to use the collet die to neck size fired brass.
I haven't loaded any rounds for the Hornet yet, as I want to do it right the first time and need some sage advice. Also, I haven't cast anything yet. I'm still “smelting” range scrap, and I have clip-on wheel weights yet to smelt. Sooner or later, I'll get brave enough to cast.
I'll take all the help I can get and be glad of it. Thanks.